Google

System Icons

Word as symbol.

Iconography is the visual expression of an idea, action or object. Communication in a nutshell-sized symbol. We created GOOGLE’s system icons to be notably reductive, yet clearly defined a graphic language for MATERIAL. Simple, modern and bold. A unique grid was constructed to facilitate consistency and establish a clear set of rules for the positioning of graphic elements, resulting in a flexible but coherent structure. A palette of simple, geometric elements was also developed to unify icons and systemize their placement on the grid, on signage and in product UI. Beyond the 1200+ open-source icons designed, detailed guidelines were produced to aide teams in any new icon creation.